Radiology X-Ray Technician Schools near Palisades NY 10964 - Find X-Ray and Radiology Tech Schools

How to Pick a Radiology Technician School near Palisades New York

Palisades NY x-ray tech internship program Congratulations on your decision to enroll in an x-ray tech school near Palisades NY so you can become a radiologic technologist. But now that you have chosen to enter the rewarding field of healthcare, how do you undertake picking the right college and program so that you will receive the appropriate training to become a skilled professional? And considering that the majority of states do mandate that radiology technicians become licensed, based on where you ultimately work you may require training to pass a licensing examination. So it’s imperative that you assess each of the colleges you are considering so that you can compare each program. Many potential students begin by looking for technical schools or colleges that are within commuting distance of their residences. Next, they compare tuition and frequently gravitate toward the lowest cost. But while expense and location should be taken into consideration, there are additional critical qualifiers also. For example, you must ask if the radiology tech schools have earned accreditation, or if they offer internship programs. These questions and others you must ask the schools you are reviewing are presented later in this article. But first, let’s talk about what a radiology technician does and the credentials and training choices that are offered.

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Radiology Tech Work Summary

There are several professional designations for x-ray techs (technologists or technicians). They can also be referred to as radiologic technicians or technologists, radiographers or radiology techs. Irrespective of the name, they all have the identical fundamental job description, which is to use imaging machines to internally view patients for the purpose of diagnosis and treatment. A number of radiologic technologists might also administer radiation therapy for treating cancer. Many elect to perform as generalists, while others may choose a specialization, for instance mammography. They may work in Palisades NY hospitals, clinics, private practices or outpatient diagnostic imaging centers. The imaging technologies that an X-Ray tech might utilize include:

Traditional and specialized X-Rays
Computerized tomography (CT) or “CAT” scans
Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
Sonography or ultrasound
Fluoroscopy

Radiographers must take care of their equipment and also regularly evaluate its functionality and safety. They are also expected to retain in-depth records of all of their diagnostic procedures. As Palisades NY health practitioners, they are held to a high professional standard and code of conduct.

Radiology Tech Degrees Offered

x-ray machine in Palisades NY The basic prerequisite for attending a radiology tech program is to have earned a high school diploma or GED. Radiologic technologist pupils have the option to earn either an Associate or a Bachelor’s Degree. An Associate Degree, which is the most prevalent among technicians, normally requires 18 months to two years to complete based upon the program and course load. A Bachelor’s Degree will take more time at as much as four years to finish and is more extensive in nature. Most students opt for a degree major in Radiography, but there are additional similar majors that may be acceptable as well. Something to bear in mind is that Palisades NY radiographer programs have a clinical training or lab component as a component of their course of study. It may typically be satisfied by participating in an internship or externship program which many schools offer through local hospitals and clinics in their area. Once you have graduated from one of the degree programs, you will need to comply with any certification or licensing requirements in New York or the state you will be working as applicable.

X-ray Technician Certification and Licensing

Once you have graduated from an Radiologist school, based on the state where you will be practicing you might have to be licensed. The majority of states do require licensing, and their criteria vary so get in touch with your state. Currently, all states that do require licensure will accept The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam for the licensing application, but a number provide additional options for testing also. Some states also call for certification as a component of the licensing procedure, if not it is optional. However, many Palisades NY employers favor hiring radiology techs that are certified so it may enhance your career options to earn certification. ARRT’s certification program involves graduation from an accepted program as well as a passing score on their comprehensive exam. ARRT also demands re-certification every 2 years, which may be met with 24 credits of continuing education, or by passing an exam.

Online X-Ray Technician Programs

attending x-ray tech school online in Palisades 10964 As a component of any degree program, x-ray tech colleges will have practical or lab training included in their curriculum. This is the same for online degree programs. So even though you can still obtain your degree online, a substantial amount of the training will be satisfied either in a school lab or in an internship off-campus. Clinical training is typically carried out in local family practices, medical clinics or hospitals in sponsorship with the schools. But the online segment of the training can be accessed in the privacy of your Palisades NY residence. Students who continue working while obtaining their degree often discover that the online style of education is far more practical with their active schedules. Plus online schools are generally less expensive than traditional alternatives. In addition to lower tuition, expenses for commuting and study materials may be reduced as well. But just be sure that the online school you pick is accredited (more on the advantages of accreditation later). So if you are motivated enough to learn with this less formalized style of training, then online classes may be the right option for you.

Questions to Ask Radiologic Tech Programs

After you have decided on the kind of degree that you want to earn, you can start the process of searching for and assessing Palisades NY x-ray technician schools. You will also need to decide if you want to attend classes online or drive to a nearby campus. If you choose the latter, then of course the location of the college will be relevant. The price of tuition and ancillary expenditures will be an important factor as well. But in addition to cost and location, what else should you factor in when comparing colleges? Well, you should find out if the schools are accredited, and if they sponsor internship or externship programs. To help you learn some of these crucial details before you make your decision, we have put together a list of questions that you must ask the programs you are assessing.

Are the Radiology Technician Colleges Accredited? A large number of xray technician colleges have acquired some form of accreditation, whether national or regional. Even so, it’s still important to verify that the school and program are accredited. One of the most highly regarded accrediting agencies in the field of radiology is the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT). Schools obtaining accreditation from the JRCERT have undergone a detailed examination of their instructors and educational materials. If the college is online it can also earn accreditation from the Distance Education and Training Council, which focuses on online or distance education. All accrediting organizations should be recognized by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council on Higher Education Accreditation. Along with ensuring a superior education, accreditation will also help in getting financial aid and student loans, which are often not accessible for non-accredited colleges. Accreditation might also be a pre-requisite for licensing and certification as required. And a number of Palisades NY employers will only hire graduates of an accredited college for entry-level openings.

Are Internships Offered? Ask if the New York radiology technician schools you are reviewing have partnerships with local hospitals or clinics for internship programs. Not only are internships an excellent means to obtain hands on training in a clinical setting, they are additionally a way to satisfy the clinical training requirement for the majority of programs. As a supplemental benefit, they may assist graduates and students develop professional relationships in the Palisades NY healthcare community and help with job placement.

Is Job Placement Help provided? You will undoubtedly wish to secure employment quickly after graduation, but getting that first job in a new field can be challenging without help. Find out if the x-ray tech schools you are reviewing have job assistance programs and what their success rates are. High and rapid placement rates are an excellent sign that the schools have large networks and great relationships with Palisades NY healthcare employers. It also corroborates that their students are well regarded and in demand.

Where is the School Located? For a number of students, the college they select will need to be within commuting distance of their Palisades NY home. Students who have decided to attend online classes obviously will not have to trouble themselves with the location of the campus. However, the availability of area internships will be of importance. Something to keep in mind is that if you choose to enroll in a program that is out of state or even out of your local area, you may be required to pay a higher tuition. State colleges generally charge higher tuitions for out of state residents. And community colleges usually charge a higher tuition to those students that don’t reside within their districts.

What are the Class Sizes ? Unless you are the kind of student that likes to sit far in the rear of class or get lost in the crowd, you will undoubtedly prefer a smaller class size. Smaller classes permit more individual participation and one-on-one instruction. Ask the Palisades NY colleges you are reviewing what the average student to teacher ratio is for their classrooms. If practical you may want to sit in on one or more classes before making your final decision. This will also give you a chance to talk with some of the students and instructors to get their perspectives regarding the x-ray tech program also.

Does the Program Accommodate your Schedule? And finally you must verify that the radiographer college you ultimately choose can offer the class schedule you need. This is particularly essential if you choose to continue working while you attend school. If you need to schedule night or weekend classes in Palisades NY, make sure that they are available. If you can only attend part-time, check if that is an option and how many credit hours or courses you would have to carry. Also, learn what the procedure is for making up any classes that you may miss as a result of work, illness or family obligations.

Why Did You Desire to Become a Radiologic Technologist?

When getting ready to interview for an X-Ray Tech job, it's a good idea to review questions you might be asked. One of the questions that recruiters typically ask radiographer applicants is "What made you decide on radiography as a profession?". What the interviewer is hoping to uncover is not just the private reasons you might have for becoming a radiology technician, but additionally what qualities and skills you have that make you good at what you do. You will undoubtedly be asked questions pertaining exclusively to radiography, in addition to a significant number of routine interview questions, so you must ready a number of strategies about how you would like to respond to them. Since there are so many variables that go into selecting a career, you can respond to this primary question in a number of ways. When readying an answer, aim to include the reasons the profession interests you as well as the abilities you possess that make you an outstanding X-Ray tech and the ideal candidate for the position. Don't try to memorize an answer, but take down some ideas and anecdotes that relate to your own strengths and experiences. Reviewing sample responses can assist you to formulate your own thoughts, and provide ideas of what to discuss to enthuse the recruiter.

Pick the Right X-Ray Tech Program near Palisades NY

Enrolling in the best x-ray tech school is an important first step toward launching a satisfying new career furnishing diagnostic medical services to patients. The suitable radiographer should be in good physical shape. Radiology techs typically stand for the greater part of the working day and move and in some cases lift the patient to obtain the proper image. Candidates must also demonstrate an ability to pay strict attention to detail and to adhere to the safety guidelines developed to protect both the medical team and the patient. Radiology technicians work very closely with patients, other techs as well as the doctors and radiologists. Possessing social skills is a necessity in order to have a good work environment and furnish the best possible care to patients. As has been discussed in this article, there are several questions that you need to ask each school you are looking at prior to making your ultimate decision. This is similarly true whether you decide on an online program or travel to classes on-campus. By asking the appropriate questions you can assess and compare each school so you can narrow down your options before making your final choice. And with the right education and your commitment to succeed, you can achieve your goal to work as a radiology tech in Palisades NY.

Some Background on Palisades New York

Palisades, New York

Palisades, formerly known as Sneden's Landing, (pronounced SNEE-dens) is a hamlet in the Town of Orangetown in Rockland County, New York, United States, located north of Rockleigh and Alpine, New Jersey; east of Tappan; south of Sparkill; and west of the Hudson River.

The hamlet has no mayor, nor any official legislative bodies. It does, however, have its own library, and post office with the zip code 10964 and served by the 359 exchange in Area Code 845. It is almost entirely residential with the exception of a small industrial area section on the Tappan border. The area commonly referred to as Snedens Landing is located within the eastern portion of Palisades between U.S. Route 9W and the Hudson River.

The hamlet has a registered historic district known as the Closter Road - Oak Tree Road Historic District. The district comprises the area from the north side of Closter Road and south side of Oak Tree Road approximately 1/2 mile west of US Route 9W in Palisades. (List of Registered Historic Places in Rockland County, New York)

In 1685 Dr. George Lockhart purchased 3,410 acres along the west bank of the Hudson River which would become Palisades, NY. In the ensuing 20 years the land would change hands twice. By 1702 there were two houses with 14 people, eight being slaves.[1] During this period the land was claimed by both New York and New Jersey. A king's commission settled the dispute in 1769 by drawing an official border between the two states. It placed Palisades just inside of New York.[2]

The Palisades vicinity saw considerable activity during the Revolutionary War. Loyalties were split more than normally in such a conflict, because the area marked the dividing line between American and British combatants.[3] This situation is demonstrated within the family of Mollie Sneden, a legendary resident whose family name was given to Snedens Landing, as Palisades was known at that time. She and most of her sons were Tories, but her son John was a Patriot. He was allowed to keep the family ferry operating across the Hudson River to Dobbs Ferry during the Revolution. An action by Mollie Sneden during this period illustrates the close interaction of British and patriots in this vicinity.